epazote
epazote Lexical Profile
• noun
A pungent aromatic herb (Dysphania ambrosioides, formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides) of the amaranth family, native to Central and South America, having serrated lance-shaped leaves and small greenish flowers.
"Epazote grows wild along roadsides throughout Mexico and parts of the southern United States."
The strongly flavored, resinous leaves and tender shoots of the epazote plant, widely used in southern Mexican and Guatemalan cuisine as a leafy culinary herb or green vegetable to season black beans, soups, and quesadillas.
"Simmering the black beans with a sprig of fresh epazote imparts a savory, citrusy depth to the broth."
• Rhymes for epazote
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Mexican Spanish epazote, from Classical Nahuatl epāzōtl, a compound of epatl ('skunk') and tzotl ('sweat' or 'filth'), referencing the plant's pungent, resinous aroma.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.